Page 55 of The Rogue’s Redemption

Reid closed his eyes and groaned. Having never practiced, he had not realized how difficult it would be to say the words aloud. When he opened his eyes, she stood there, calm . . . still . . . waiting. She looked curious rather than angry, as if she genuinely did not understand him.

“I did not mean it,” he started.

Nay, I can’t do this.

Allie moved toward him, but he held out an arm to stop her. He did not deserve to be comforted.

“No,” she said. “You will not.” She swatted at his arm, refusing to back down. “Tell me how you could be so hurtful, so uncaring to your own brother?”

When she looked at him that way, Reid wanted to fall onto his knees, wrap his arms around her and beg forgiveness. She was so good. So loving. The glib remark he’d planned stuck in his throat.

“I . . .” He shrugged.

“You don’t know.”

Allie took another step toward him and cupped his face as she’d done once before.

“I will not allow you to push me away like that. You can say you don’t care how your actions affect others, but I know otherwise. So shall we try this again?”

Her hands felt like two angel’s wings embracing him, holding him rooted to the spot. He couldn’t have turned away had he wanted to. She peered into his eyes, almost daring him to try.

“I’m sorry.”

“I know you are.”

“Your sister—”

“Is angrier than ever. But we’ve plenty of time to speak about that. I want to know . . . why Reid? Why do you say things you do not mean?”

Because it’s easier that way. Because it’s what’s expected of me.

When he didn’t answer, Allie moved her hands from his face to his waist. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and closed his eyes as she lay her head on his chest. He listened to her even breathing, not speaking or even making a move to explore her soft curves with his hands. They stood there that way for so long, Reid began to wonder if she had fallen asleep.

“Do not ever attempt that with me,” she demanded.

“I will not,” he promised.

“And you will apologize to your brother—”

“I’d already planned on it. And your sister too.”

Allie picked her head up and looked at him. “Nay, not her.”

“But—”

“I was wrong, Reid. A few days will not change her opinion. And now, after that performance . . .”

“What?” He didn’t like the look in her eyes. Could she be having second thoughts?

“I may have told her . . .”

When she tried to pull away, Reid held on to her. “What did you tell her?”

“I told her . . . I told her I would not do anything rash.”

“Such as?”

“Take you to my bed.”